WCDO Radio News

Governor Cuomo today requested that the federal government grant a Major Disaster Declaration for 8 counties devastated by flash flooding during severe storms in August. A Declaration would result in financial assistance from the federal government for emergency protective measures, debris removal, and repairs to public buildings and infrastructure. The 8 county request includes Broome, Chenango, & Delaware Counties locallly, after damage estimates exceeded $36 million in infrastructure repair, debris removal and structural damage as a result of these storms. Widespread power outages impacted more than 1,500 homes and businesses in the area, responders rescued and evacuated more than 200 people from campgrounds.

The Jericho Arts Council will open their fall season with a variety of shows at the Bainbridge Town Hall Theater. Council Treasurer Phillip Wade said that the season starts Saturday with the award winning Beatles tribute band "Beatles For Sale" at 7:00 PM:

(Phillip Wade 9-13-18)

Tickets can be reserved by calling 288-3882, more information is available at JerichArts.com or at the council's Facebook page.

Governor Cuomo announced more than 200 communities across the state have earned the Clean Energy Community designation, completing more than 1,250 total high-impact clean energy actions. The designation recognizes community leadership in reducing energy use, cutting costs and driving clean energy, all supporting the state's clean energy goals. More than 450 communities are participating in the Clean Energy Communities initiative and have completed at least one high-impact action

Governor Cuomo today issued a cease and desist letter to ICE to demand the immediate stop of their unconstitutional enforcement actions. Cuomo condemns the agency's patterns of targeting immigrants and jeopardize public safety in places of businesses, and public places such as schools. Also the Governor signed an executive order to modify executive order #170 to prohibit ICE arrests in state facilities without a warrant, and it also prohibits law enforcement officers from inquiring about immigration status unless they are investigating illegal criminal activity.

The Chenango Arts Council received a grant to spruce up their facility in Downtown Norwich, Council Executive Director Alecia O'Neill explains:

(Alecia O'Neill 4-25-18)

O'Neill said that they are also getting ready for the Annual Allego 5K run and walk in May, details about their events are available at Chenango Arts.org.

The State Board of Elections announced that all precincts have reported in the 102nd State Assembly race, they have declared Republican Christopher Tague as the winner, with 45.8% of the vote, over Democrat Aidan O'Connor with 44.3%, and Independent candidate Wesley Laraway with 9.7%. Tague replaces Pete Lopez, who left the seat last year following an appointment to the EPA.

Governor Cuomo launched the 3rd round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, investing $100 million into 10 additional downtown neighborhoods across the state. In its third year, the proven-successful investment will boost local economies; locally the City of Oneonta won the 10 million dollar award & is in the process of improving several areas for future developments.

Oxford Central School will be hosting a Robotics Competition called "Robo-Rave" in the High School Gymnasium Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Over 20 teams will be competing. Robo-Rave is a program designed to teach students how to design, build, code & program Robots to perform a variety of tasks, Oxford High School Science Teach Mark Muller explains why he wanted to bring Robo Rave to Oxford:

(Mark Muller 4-6-18)

Muller said that Saturday's event is the first Robo Rave event in New York State, Robo rave is associated with NASA, who brought a team of engineers to Oxford to speak & teach at the event, which is free & open to the public. More information is available at oxac.org.

State Police arrested 38 year old Michael Sullivan of Agawam, Massachusetts & 30 year old Gabrielle Graham of Pittsfield, Massachusetts for criminal possession of a controlled substance, Sullivan was additionally charged with Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. Troopers received a complaint of a disabled vehicle on I-88 in the town of Afton; they located marijuana and a smoking pipe with residue. Sullivan and Graham were arraigned in the town of Afton Court and remanded to the Chenango County Jail on $1,000 cash bail or $2,000 bond. Their next court date is scheduled for April 23, 2018 in the town of Afton Court.

Governor Cuomo today announced a new initiative to provide teachers and coaches with resources they can use to help prevent and address substance use disorder among young people. Starting next week, the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Education Department, and the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services will notify schools statewide of the availability of flash drives loaded with materials in English and Spanish for coaches, teachers, school nurses, and other educators to use in personal conversations with students and in community forums.

The Otsego County Department of Health is hosting the 2018 Living Healthier Expo at the Foothills Performing Arts center on market Street in Oneonta today & tomorrow. The American Red Cross will be holding blood drives over both days, topics will include Lyme disease, rabies Awareness, Chronic Disease management; more information is available at 547-4230 or LHEOtsego.com.

Democratic Congressional candidate Gareth Rhodes will appear in Sidney today. Rhodes will appear at the Sidney Golf & Country Club this morning at 9:00 AM, he is one of 7 announced candidates running for the Democratic Party Nomination for the right to face incumbent Republican Congressman John Faso for the 19th District.